SF Interfaith clergy and allies to join community leaders to demand justice for Amilcar Perez-Lopez and an end to police violence in San Francisco

[SFOP Press Release | March 9] Amilcar Perez Lopez, a 21 year-old Guatemalan construction worker, was shot multiple times and killed by SFPD on Thursday, February 26. SFPD reports that he had a knife and refused to drop it, however a witness contends that he had already dropped it when 5 to 6 shots were fired at him. A recent community meeting at Cesar Chavez Elementary School in the Mission District drew many frustrated and concerned community members that have endured many years of strained relationships with SFPD. In the meeting, Supervisor David Campos echoed the need for a full and impartial investigation.

Broad faith coalition joins together to demand justice for the families and communities of those that are victims of police violence, and a full and impartial investigation into the police shooting of Amilcar Perez-Lopez.

Over the past 12 months, there have been at least four police shootings in San Francisco, three of the victims being men of color. No officer indictments have resulted from these cases. San Francisco has a long history of not indicting officers involved in the shooting of citizens, most often citizens of color. African American and Latino men are disproportionately victims of police violence in San Francisco and across the country.

San Francisco faith leaders will join together with allies to urge the city to take necessary measures to end police violence in the city, and file a complaint with the Office of Citizen Complaints. Clergy believe that in order to ensure that the safety and dignity of all human beings are upheld and taken into account, there must be a higher standard for policing in San Francisco.

What: Interfaith news conference with SF clergy and community leadersWhen: Wednesday, March 11, 10 a.m.Where: Steps of San Francisco City HallWho: Organized by the San Francisco Organizing Project/Peninsula Interfaith ActionVisuals: Clergy in garb, pouring of ashes, delivery of complaint to Office of Citizen Complaints

SFOP/PIA is a member of PICO, and a network of faith communities committed to ensuring that the dignity of all members of our community is upheld. Through leadership development, civic engagement, and lifting up of our faith values we strive to make sure that every person receives the respect, justice, and opportunity they deserve.

The Rev. Eric Metoyer, associate for congregational ministries, said, “The Episcopal Diocese of California mourns with the family, friends, and neighbors of Amilcar Perez Lopez who was killed two weeks ago. We deplore the violence that has tragically affected many of our lives, especially the lives of people of color. The Psalmist wrote, ‘The Lord will not forsake his people; he will not not abandon his heritage; for justice will return to the righteous and all the upright in heart will follow it.’ (Psalm 94.14-15)”

“We ask for a full, independent investigation of this officer involved shooting and pray that God’s healing love be the transformative power to free us from this cycle of violence.”